Origin and Habitat: Echinopsis formosa is widespread in a wide area comprising Argentina (Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Mendoza, Salta, San Juan), Bolivia and Chile (Antofagasta region) on both sides of the Andes. Altitude: 1000-4200 metres above sea level. Habitat: The species grows in puna and prepuna grasslands, monte shrubland, and altos andes on valleys, cliffs, alluvial fan and rocky slopes amongst short grasses in fully exposed sites. Inhabitants must be very rugged in order to tolerate such extremes in exposure. Echinopsis formosa is such a robust individual. However in habitat the plant is often bathed in fog during the summer months and even when exposed to full sun, heat is typically not a factor. The species is threatened in parts of its range by illegal collecting and mining.

Description:Echinopsis formosa is a massive growing barrel cactus with a solid and spiny presence, solitary at first, later branching basally to form wide colonies. The dense golden spines would protect them from the extremes of cold and sunshine. The new spines are actually dark brown and appear in the spring. Six subspecies are recognized, the nominate form, subsp. bruchii (Britton & Rose) M.Lowry, subsp. kieslingii (Rausch) M.Lowry, subsp. korethroides (Backeb.) M.Lowry, subsp. randallii (Cárdenas) M.Lowry and subsp. rosarioana (Rausch) M.Lowry.Stem: Globose to columnar, multiply- ribbed, pale green or blue-green, up to 0,5-1(-2) m tall, 20-35(-50) cm in diameter.Ribs: 15-35(-50) vertical with remarkable notches and tubercles.Areoles: Elliptic, initially covered by a dark-brown down and about 1 cm apart.Radial spines: 8-16, needle-like, spreading, straight or slightly curved, colourful yellowish, amber or reddish brown, up to 3 (or more) cm longCentral spines: 2-9, acicular, brown, of variable length which, in some cases, can reach the 20 cm. Flowers: Fire yellow to orange-red to red, funnel-shaped, diurnal, originating in the apical zone and are about 6-9 cm long and broad.Blooming period: Open in the day in the spring.Fruit: Globose, 3-4 cm of diameter, acid green, covered by scales and down; the pulp is white, edible, and contains several black seeds. It usually reproduces by seed.

Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Echinopsis formosa group

Echinopsis formosa subs. kieslingii(Rausch) M.Lowry: has stem to 20 cm in diameter with spines always curved, flower lateral near the tip, with narrow-lanceolate perianth segment and the very short style. Distribution: Tucuman, Sierra de Quilmes, Argentina.

Cultivation and Propagation: Echinopsis formosa is easy to grow and cold hardy as low as -12°C (or less). Need a fertile, well drained soil mix. Water the plants well and allow them to dry before watering again. During the growing season fertilize them monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Plants grown in the ground form soon imposing specimens.Sun Exposure: Outside full sun, at the maximum possible luminosity, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun. When cultivating this plant in low elevation zones where it is very hot, a bit of shade may benefit this plant in summer. Winter rest: During winter month, put them in a cool luminous place and encourage them to enter winter dormancy by withholding water and fertiliser over the winter as they will etiolate, or become thin, due to lower levels of light. Keep them dry with temperatures possibly between 0 and 5°C (or even less), this period of cold and dry rest is useful for stimulating the blossoming.Pest & diseases: They are susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered, but are not nearly as sensitive as many other cacti, especially in warm weather. If kept damp through cold periods, they will invariably suffer.Propagation: It usually reproduces by seed or sometime by cuttings (rarely available). The flower colour is not always true from seeds.